Key facts about ACT scores
2–4 weeks
After your test date
1–36
Composite: English + Math + Reading
~19–20
Based on 2025 cohort data
When do ACT scores come out in 2026?
Over 97% of ACT multiple-choice scores are released within 2–4 weeks of the test date. The earliest scores can appear is 10 days after your test. Scores are posted to your MyACT account at approximately midnight Central Time on the release date — which means East Coast students can check from 1:00am, West Coast from 10:00pm the previous evening.
If you took the optional Writing section, those scores arrive approximately two weeks after your multiple-choice scores — your complete score report (including ELA) is only available once Writing scores are processed.
Scores can take up to 8 weeks
On certain test dates, ACT conducts equating activities to ensure scores represent the same ability level across different test forms. This can delay release beyond the typical 2–4 week window. If your scores haven't appeared after 4 weeks, check your MyACT account for a status update before contacting ACT directly.
2025–2026 ACT score release schedule
| Test date | MC scores released | Writing scores |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 8, 2026 | Feb 18–Mar 8, 2026 | ~Mar 4–22, 2026 |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 21–May 10, 2026 | ~May 7–24, 2026 |
| Jun 13, 2026 | Jun 23–Jul 12, 2026 | ~Jul 9–26, 2026 |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Jul 21–Aug 9, 2026 | ~Aug 6–23, 2026 |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 22–Oct 11, 2026 | ~Oct 8–25, 2026 |
Dates represent the expected release window. Most scores arrive at the earlier end. Writing dates are approximate. Source: act.org and test-ninjas.com.
How ACT scoring works in 2026
The ACT uses a two-step scoring process. First, your raw score — the number of questions you answered correctly — is calculated for each section. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should never leave a question blank. Then, raw scores are converted to scaled scores (1–36) using a conversion table specific to that test form.
The Enhanced ACT (from September 2025) changed the composite calculation. Your composite is now the average of your English, Math, and Reading scaled scores only, rounded to the nearest whole number. Science is optional — reported separately and in a STEM score — but no longer part of the composite.
Composite calculation — worked example
English
30
Math
27
Reading
29
Average: (30 + 27 + 29) ÷ 3 = 28.67 → rounded to composite 29. Science score (e.g. 28) is reported separately.
How to read your ACT score report
Your score report in MyACT contains more than just the composite. Here is what every component means and what to pay attention to.
Composite score
Your headline number — the average of your English, Math, and Reading scaled scores (1–36), rounded to the nearest whole number. From September 2025, Science is no longer included. This is the number colleges see first on your application.
Section scores
Four individual scores — English (75 questions), Math (60 questions), Reading (40 questions), and Science (40 questions, optional from Sep 2025) — each on a 1–36 scale. Colleges may examine section scores for specific programs (e.g. high Math for engineering; high English for humanities).
STEM score
Available if you took the optional Science section. The STEM score is the average of your Math and Science scaled scores (1–36). Highly relevant for students applying to engineering, medicine, computer science, or physical sciences programs.
ELA score
Available if you took the optional Writing section. The ELA score is the average of your English, Reading, and Writing scores (1–36). Does not affect your composite. Some colleges use it as a supplementary measure of writing ability.
Writing score
Optional. Scored on a 2–12 scale by two trained readers. Does not affect your composite or ELA score unless a third reader is needed. A small number of colleges still require or recommend it — check each school's specific requirements.
National percentile ranks
Shown for each section and the composite. Your percentile rank tells you what percentage of test-takers nationally scored at or below your score. A composite of 30 is approximately the 93rd percentile — meaning you scored higher than 93% of test-takers.
College readiness benchmarks
ACT publishes official benchmarks by subject: English 18, Math 22, Reading 22, Science 23. Scoring at or above a benchmark indicates a 50% probability of earning a B or better in a corresponding first-year college course. These are reference points, not admissions thresholds.
What is a good ACT score?
There is no single universal "good" ACT score — what matters is how your composite compares to the middle 50% range of admitted students at your target schools. Here is how scores map to college tiers nationally.
| Composite | Band | Percentile | College context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–36 | Exceptional | ~99th | Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, Stanford |
| 31–33 | Excellent | ~97–99th | Columbia, Penn, Brown, Dartmouth, Duke |
| 27–30 | Very competitive | ~86–93rd | Univ. of Michigan, UVA, Georgetown, Boston College |
| 24–26 | Above average | ~74–80th | Univ. of Arizona, Iowa State, Oregon State |
| 20–23 | Average | ~50–63rd | Many community colleges and open-enrollment universities |
| 1–19 | Below average | Below 50th | Open-enrollment and community colleges |
Percentiles based on 2025 cohort data (~1.4 million test-takers). College examples indicate typical mid-50% admitted student ranges. Source: ACT National Ranks, individual college Common Data Sets.
How to set your personal target score
Look up the middle 50% ACT range on the Common Data Set for each school you are applying to. Aim to be at or above the 75th percentile (the top of that range) for your target schools. For reach schools, being at the 50th percentile is acceptable if your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars are strong.
How ACT superscoring works
ACT superscoring takes your highest section score from each test date across multiple attempts and averages them into a single superscore composite. This means a stronger performance on Math in April can combine with a stronger English from September, even if neither single-sitting composite was your best overall.
From April 2025, the ACT superscore is calculated from English, Math, and Reading only — Science is excluded from the superscore calculation but is still reported as part of your STEM score.
Many — but not all — colleges accept superscores. Check each school's admissions page directly. When you submit a superscore to a college, ACT also sends your highest full composite score alongside it.
Superscore — worked example
| Attempt | English | Math | Reading | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 31 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| February 2026 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 30 |
| Superscore | 31 | 30 | 31 | 31 |
The superscore composite (31) is higher than either single-sitting composite (28 and 30), because it uses the best section from each attempt.
What to do if you think your score is wrong
ACT uses computerised scoring, which is highly accurate — but errors occasionally occur. If a section score seems significantly inconsistent with your practice test results or your other section scores, you can request verification.
Score Verification (hand scoring)
$50 per sectionWhat it involves: ACT manually verifies that your answer sheet was correctly scanned and that marks were accurately totalled. For paper tests, this involves a physical re-check. For online tests, ACT reviews the digital record.
When to use it: If you believe a section score is significantly lower than expected and inconsistent with other evidence (e.g. practice test history). You have 3 months from receiving scores to request.
Refund policy: Fee is refunded if a scoring error is discovered and your score changes.
Writing Score Verification
Fee appliesWhat it involves: ACT verifies that your essay was scored by two independent qualified readers, that a third reader was used if their scores differed, and that the essay was properly captured and displayed. If errors are found, the essay is rescored. Results arrive by letter approximately 3–5 weeks after the request.
When to use it: If your Writing score seems inconsistent with your performance on the English section or your practice essays.
Refund policy: ACT will inform you of the outcome in writing.
Important: Score verification confirms ACT followed its procedures correctly — it is not a re-marking of your answers against the mark scheme. Unlike the GCSE system, ACT does not re-read or re-judge your responses for correctness. If you believe an answer was marked wrong, use the My Answer Key service (available on select test dates: October, April, June) to review your actual answers against the correct ones before deciding whether to retest.
Sending your ACT scores to colleges
When you register for the ACT, you can designate up to four colleges to receive your scores for free. Additional score reports cost $20 per recipient. You choose whether to send scores from a specific test date or your superscore.
Test-date score report
Sends all scores from a single test date — composite, all section scores, and Writing if taken. Use when your best single sitting is stronger than your superscore would be.
Superscore report
Sends your superscore alongside your highest full composite. ACT automatically sends both when you request a superscore report. Most colleges that accept superscores prefer this format.
Score choice
You choose which scores to send — ACT does not automatically send all test dates to colleges. However, some schools (particularly Ivy League) require all scores. Check each school's policy before sending.
Deadline awareness
Most college application deadlines are November 1 (Early Decision/Action) or January 1 (Regular Decision). Allow at least 3–5 business days for score delivery, and plan your final test date accordingly.
Calculate your ACT composite instantly
Enter your raw section scores into the GradesNova ACT calculator to instantly see your estimated composite, section percentiles, and how you compare to the middle 50% range at your target schools.
ACT Score Calculator →Frequently asked questions
When do ACT scores come out?
Over 97% of multiple-choice scores are available within 2–4 weeks after your test date. The earliest possible release is 10 days after the test. Scores appear in your MyACT account at approximately midnight Central Time on the release date. Writing scores follow about two weeks after multiple-choice scores.
How is the ACT composite score calculated in 2026?
From September 2025, the Enhanced ACT composite is the average of your English, Math, and Reading section scores only, rounded to the nearest whole number. Science is now optional and no longer included in the composite — it contributes to a separate STEM score instead.
Can I retake specific sections of the ACT?
No. If you retake the ACT, you must retake the entire test. However, superscoring means colleges that accept superscores will use your best section score from each attempt — so retaking to improve one weak section is still worth doing if you are confident in your other sections.
What is the ACT My Answer Key service?
My Answer Key (formerly Test Information Release) lets you purchase a copy of your actual test questions, your answers, and the correct answers for select test dates — October, April, and June. It costs a fee per section and is available for up to 6 months after the test date. It is invaluable for identifying exactly where you lost marks and targeting revision for a retake.
Does taking the Writing section affect my composite?
No. The Writing section score is reported separately and does not affect your composite score. It contributes to the ELA score (average of English, Reading, and Writing). Most colleges do not require the Writing section, but a small number still prefer or require it — check each school's requirements before your test date.
How many times can I take the ACT?
You can take the ACT up to 12 times. Most students take it 2–3 times. Research shows meaningful score improvement is most likely on the second and third attempts with focused preparation between sittings. Beyond three attempts, gains are statistically less predictable.
What does my ACT score mean for merit scholarships?
Many universities offer merit-based scholarships tied to ACT score thresholds. These vary significantly by institution — a 28 might unlock a $5,000/year award at one school and nothing at another. Check each university's merit aid page directly. National Merit Scholarship eligibility is based on PSAT scores, not ACT.